Youzhny claims title

Youzhny broke the Croatian twice to clinch the first set in 30 minutes, while a break in the fifth game of second set proved enough to seal his first title since his triumph in St Petersburg in 2004.

Ljubicic was lacklustre after his three-set semi-final win over world number three Nikolay Davydenko on Saturday.

"I served very good today but I have to thank Nikolay for giving Ivan a tough time last night" Youzhny told reporters.

Ljubicic added: "I was so tired after the semi-final. Playing three hours against Davydenko is like six hours against any other player."

Youzhny's first win against Ljubicic in seven matches will lift him back into the top 20 of the ATP rankings.

The Russian believed he was able to produce his best form in Rotterdam as he did not have to play in Chile for his country in the Davis Cup first-round tie earlier this month.

"The Davis Cup coach asked what I preferred and for me that was to play tournaments. But if they had needed me I would have played for Russia," he said.

The defeat meant Ljubicic was spared an expensive bar bill as he had promised to buy every spectator a drink if he won the title.

Despite losing a second final in three years in the Dutch port city, Ljubicic remained adamant that he would add his name to the banner of champions that circles the centre court.

"I feel sorry because I have been playing well this week and really wanted my name on the winners' banner in the stadium," said Ljubicic, who lifted the Doha trophy last month.

"In Doha I also succeeded after two lost finals, so I have to be back next year."